01.05.06 – By Vanessa McConnell: Warriors Boxing Promotions and Sycuan Ringside Promotions are joining forces and bringing a “very special fighter” to the spotlight. 29-year-old Celestino “Pelenchin” Caballero is from Panama and holds an impressive record as former Panamanian, WBA Fedecentro, WBA Fedelatin, World Boxing Organization and Latino and North American Boxing Association 122-pound champion..
“Celestino Caballero is the type of fighter that every promoter hopes to work with,” said Leon Margules of Warriors Boxing Promotions. “We are very excited that Sampson Lewkowicz thinks so highly of Warriors Boxing and Sycuan Ringside Promotions that he brought us this great opportunity to sign such a well-regarded champion. Celestino’s a class individual, an exciting fighter and, best of all, someone who’s willing to fight anyone at anytime. That’s rare these days, and we’re looking forward to working with him in his quest to unify the world titles in the 122-pound division.”
“It’s rare to find a super bantamweight who’s approaching 6-feet,” said Glenn Quiroga, president of Sycuan Ringside Promotions. “Add to that his aggressive, action-packed style and you’ve got the real ‘Towering Inferno.’ “ Not only is Celestino tall, he’s a southpaw and an effective boxer/puncher,” said Willie Tucker, executive vice president of Sycuan Ringside Promotions. “That’s a dangerous combination which should yield big results.” “Celestino is one of the best kept secrets in boxing,” said Scott Woodworth, vice president of Sycuan Ringside Promotions. “But he won’t be under wraps now that he’s with Sycuan Ringside Promotions and Warriors Boxing.”
Warriors Boxing also would like boxing fans to recognize another impressive fighter who remains the “unbeaten Heavyweight contender and 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist” and “one of the division’s brightest stars.” The International Boxing Federation (IBF) prearranged an elimination bout between Sultan Ibragimov (19-0, 16 KOs) and Ray “The Rainman” Austin “24-3-3, 16 KOs) to determine the number one challenger to newly crowned champion Wladimir Klitschko.
“I have always dreamed of becoming the Heavyweight Champion and now I’m just one win away from my goal, said the former Olympian Ibragimov, a native of Rostov-na-Donu, Russia. “There is no Heavyweight in the world that can beat me.”
“Sultan is the premier contender in the Heavyweight Division, and he has the style and charisma to bring positive attention back to the weight class,” added Ibragimov’s manager Boris Grinberg. “We thank the IBF for this opportunity, and we can’t wait to get in the ring with Ray Austin and show the world that Sultan is truly the next great Heavyweight.” Ibragimov’s promoters, Warriors Boxing Promotions and Sampson Lewkowicz will commence negotiations with Austin’s representatives as soon as possible to determine a date and venue for this outstanding Heavyweight matchup.
“We are excited and looking forward to making this fight happen,” said Leon Margules, Executive Director of Warriors Boxing Promotions. “We will do everything in our power to see this fight through as Sultan is ready, willing and more than up for this challenge. He is a well deserving opponent and his accomplishments speak for themselves.” Ibragimov’s co-promoter Sampson Lewkowicz was equally enthusiastic and said “I have been working with Sultan since May 25, 2002 when he turned pro. I never had a doubt that he would become the World Heavyweight Champion”.
“Tribal Pride” is one of the most highly anticipated and historical boxing events of our times and thanks to Warriors Boxing Promotions and Sycuan Ringside Promotions will present “ a special Heavyweight attraction” between 6’1” 275-pound K-1 kickboxing superstar Siala “Might Mo” Siliga and Lamar Stephens. Stephens has 9 professional fights under his belt compared to Might Mo entering the card for the first time as a professional fighter.
“Boxers don’t do this sort of thing,” said Leon Margules, Executive Director of Warriors Boxing Promotions. “Pro debuts are usual 4 round fights where the participants are 1-0 or 1-1, but this is unheard of. Fight fans are definitely in for treat as Mighty Mo has tremendous punching power and is extremely agile for a Heavyweight. We are looking forward to an exciting fight.”
“Siliga retired from kickboxing after a knockout win over former World Boxing Champion Francois Botha,” said Golden Boy Promotions. “Tribal Pride” will be headlined by the IBF Lightweight Championship bout between Ricky Quiles (39-6-3, 8 KOs) and Julio Diaz (32-3, 24 KOs) at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Fla. May 20. The fight will also be aired live on Pay-Per-View beginning at 9pm ET/6pm PT. For more information or upcoming fight in your area from Warrior’s Boxing you can log on to www.warriorsboxing.com or for Sycuan Ringside Promotions log on to www.sycuan.com.